City trips in Europe, we love them. Strolling through the streets of a new city, shopping in and out, admiring the most beautiful sights and looking for the best local eateries. City trips for us are the way to get away from it all and experience the ultimate vacation feeling. Would you also like to discover a new city and are you oLooking for the best city breaks in Europe? We’re sharing our personal tips! We’ve already discovered quite a few beautiful cities in Europe, and we’d love to help you get started! Here are the best city break destinations in Europe for 2027!
Best City Trips in Europe for 2027
Are you looking for a surprising city break destination in Europe? One that is still undiscovered and where you can really look for the most beautiful sights and hidden gems? Then we have the tips for you!
1. Gdańsk
An unexpectedly fun destination you might not think of easily is the Polish city of Gdańsk. In this colorful and beautiful city in Poland you certainly won't be bored. Immerse yourself in the interesting history, be surprised by the tasty cuisine and feast your eyes on the historic center with its beautiful sights. It is not an incredibly large city and that makes Gdańsk is therefore the ideal destination for a 3-day city break. Because the center is so compact, you can easily reach all the sights on foot. Would you like to extend your trip? Combine your city trip to Gdańsk with a visit to the lovely seaside resort of Sopot.
2. Murcia
We love Spain! You'll find historic and modern cities, delectable Spanish cuisine, a pleasant climate and beautiful beaches. A country to love and where we are only too happy to go on city trips. The places Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia are well known by now for a city break, but have you ever thought about a city trip to Murcia? It is one of the larger cities of Spain but still a hidden gem! And that is exactly what makes Murcia such a special city to discover. It is a great destination for a city trip of several days, but it is even more fun to combine your visit to Murcia with a road trip through the region of the same name. Get inspired by all the our travel tips for the region of Murcia!
3. Wrocław
Another Polish city in this list: Wrocław! Close to the border of Germany and the Czech Republic you will find the beautiful hilly region of Lower Silesia. One of the pearls of Poland, where you will also find Wrocław. A city that may not immediately come to mind as a fun city break in Europe, but one you really should remember. A visit to Wrocław can very well be combined with exploring the region of Lower Silesia.
City trips close to home
There are also many great city break destinations close to home. After all, sometimes it is nice to go out by car. We like to visit Belgium: for the popular cities Ghent and Bruges and in the cozy city Leuven. But even here there are still more than enough new places to discover for a city break in Europe!
4. Mechelen
Mechelen is an incredibly nice city for those who love Burgundian Belgium and for those who love shopping. After all, discovering the most beautiful sights in Mechelen goes hand in hand with sampling culinary delights as well as shopping. Mechelen is also called the city of churches because there are as many as 8 different churches, each with their own style. You will also find many original boutiques, creative hotspots and trendy stores. Because the historic heart of the city is so compact, you can easily do everything on foot. You can therefore take in many of the highlights in one day. And another advantage: you travel from the Netherlands to Mechelen by train! We already share our tips for a city break in Mechelen!
5. Luxembourg City
A city that is often skipped, but where we love to come is Luxembourg City. Travel to Luxembourg City by car within 5 hours and imagine yourself in another world. Do you like history? Then this is the place to be. Do you love cultural influences? Then Luxembourg City is also the place to be. Would you like to discover culinary addresses? Then you really don't want to leave here! With our personal tips for a city break Luxembourg City get the most out of your city trip!
6. Bernkastel-Kues
Do you love city trips as well as wine? Then this is the ultimate tip for you. Bernkastel-Kues in Germany! The cozy town of Bernkastel-Kues is considered the beating heart of the beautiful Moselle. It is a typical medieval town where you can enjoy delicious Riesling wines and beautiful viewpoints in the summer. Visit some fine wineries, wander the historic streets and admire the magnificent sights. These are top tips for your city break to Bernkastel-Kues!
Culinary city breaks in Europe
Food and travel go hand in hand, which is why we love culinary city trips. But in which city do you find really good food and which destinations are best for A gastronomic city break in Europe? We share them with you!
7. Istanbul
From fragrant spice markets to fresh simit at a street stall, Istanbul is a gourmet's paradise. The bustling Turkish city is a culinary melting pot between two worlds. During our city trip to Istanbul, we discovered how past and present, East and West, and history and modern culture come together here. Its rich culinary traditions are a legacy of Ottoman and Anatolian cultures. From delicious baklava and typical mezze to vegan dishes, every bite tells a story. Will you discover the flavors of Istanbul? In this article, we share Istanbul's nicest neighborhoods and tastiest delicacies.
8. Lisbon
Eating in this Portuguese city is an experience in itself. You will find the most delectable hotspots in Lisbon. Start your day with a crunchy pastel de nata at the iconic Pastéis de Belém, then walk to the Torre de Belém for a piece of history. Enjoy iconic delicacies like bacalhau à brás and in the evening, get carried away by the sounds of Fado. Lisbon is an incredibly fun city for a city break in Europe!
9. Málaga
Malaga is all about good food and conviviality. Stroll through the Mercado Central de Atarazanas, where you will find the tastiest ibérico ham and fresh seafood. Order a glass of Pedro Ximénez sherry in an authentic bodega and, in the evening, enjoy a traditional espeto de sardinas (sardines on a skewer) on the beach.
But Málaga is a crazy city not only because of its gastronomy. There is also more than enough to see and do in terms of sights. These are the best places to visit in Málaga!
10. Porto
Porto is a wonderful destination for a culinary city break. You can enjoy fresh fish and traditional dishes in cozy tascos and modern restaurants. And of course, don’t miss the port wine! Food and drink are inextricably linked to the city here.
But there’s also plenty to see and do in Porto when it comes to attractions. Stroll through the colorful streets of Ribeira, admire the azulejos at São Bento, cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, and learn more about the port industry in Vila Nova de Gaia. Get inspired to a city trip to Porto with the help of all our travel tips.
Taking the train on a sustainable city break
Ditch the plane and opt for a sustainable city break by train! These are some great destinations in Europe. Would you like to travel specifically from Rotterdam? Get inspired by these nice train trips from Rotterdam-Centraal.
11. Berlin
Why fly when you can also travel to Berlin sleeping? With the European Sleeper you board in the evening and wake up the next morning in the heart of the city. No hassle with check-in and waiting times, just board and go! Once in Berlin, you'll discover a city that embraces sustainability. Especially if you like good food, you're in the right place: from the vegan Michelin restaurant Cookies Cream to the Vegan Food Tour along local hotspots. More green tips? Check out our article: 5 tips for a sustainable city break Berlin.
But Berlin is also one of the best destinations in Europe for a city trip when it comes to sights. For example, visit places that are just a little different from the typical “must-see” spots you find everywhere, such as the Humboldt Forum and the Gärten der Welt.
Want to take the overnight train to Berlin? Check out the best deals from European Sleeper here.
Be sure to check out the cheapest tickets to Berlin from NS International.
12. Paris
We can think of 100 reasons why you should go to Paris must go on a city trip. You will find several cozy neighborhoods, wonderful museums, fun stores, delicious hotspots and, of course, countless impressive sights. But what makes a city trip to Paris so great is how easy it is to get there. With the Thalys you can get to Paris in no time from the Netherlands. And if you book on time, it can also be very advantageous.
13. Prague
Hop in the European Sleeper and get carried away at night to one of the most beautiful cities in Europe: Prague. While you sleep, you will be crossing a large part of Europe. And before you know it, you are walking across Charles Bridge toward a cozy coffee shop.
Sustainable travel effortlessly merges with enjoyment here. Stroll through the car-free Old Town, try the traditional trdelník and be amazed by the most beautiful sights of Prague.
Taking the night train to Prague? Check out the best deals from European Sleeper here.
Check out the cheapest tickets to Berlin from NS International.
Cheap city breaks in Europe
Looking for affordable city breaks in Europe? Discover fun cities like Budapest, Krakow and Thessaloniki: three destinations full of adventure, culture and budget-friendly vibes!
14. Budapest
Are you ready for a city trip full of charm, history, and affordable luxury? Then Budapest is the destination for you! Stroll across the bridges, relax in the famous thermal baths, and take in the breathtaking views from Buda Castle. The best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune to live like royalty. Sample traditional delicacies like goulash and chimney cake—delicious and budget-friendly. Budapest is the place to go on an adventure in 2027! And of course, you’ll do that with the help of our personal tips for Budapest!
Did you know you can also take the train to Budapest? Here are the cheapest tickets!
15. Kraków
Krakow, the city that exudes history and steals your heart—without breaking the bank. Explore the breathtaking Wawel Castle, wander through the Old Town, and let yourself be surprised by its rich culture. And of course, a plate of steaming pierogi is a must. Looking for a city trip in Europe that’s affordable and bursting with highlights? Book a city trip to Krakow then at the top of your list. Especially the bustling Kazimierz district in Krakow is a must-see.
16. Thessaloniki
To be honest, we didn't know where to put Thessaloniki in this list of city trips in Europe. After all, it might just as well be at the top of most surprising city trips for 2025. But inexpensive, it is there too! Welcome to Thessaloniki, the Greek city where history, delicious food and affordability go hand in hand. Start your day with a visit to the iconic White Tower, stroll the colorful streets of Ano Poli and enjoy an evening on the boulevard with views that say "U" to. Thessaloniki feels like a mini vacation in the sun, and without a sky-high price tag. Ideal right? These are our tips for the fun city of Thessaloniki!
Even more great travel inspiration for Europe
If there’s one thing that truly makes us happy, it’s discovering hidden gems in Europe. Fun city break destinations, cool road trips, quaint villages, and places where you can truly unwind.
Our latest discoveries that we would love to share with you? A road trip through the breathtaking Albania, a relaxing vacation to the enchanting Lake Ohrid in northern Macedonia, and the idyllic village of Gerberoy in France. Get inspired by all our tips and experience Europe at its best!
